The Strand, Macquarie Street, Parramatta

27 Apr, 2015

Another interesting building facade backing on to Civic Square which I noticed recently is the ‘art deco‘ styled “The Strand” building on Macquarie Street. The building, now showing its age, was at the time a symbol of the rapidly changing face of Parramatta commercial centre.

Finished in cream stucco, the shops will be the last word in modernity. Brightness is probably the outstanding feature. Distinctive glass bricks in front, skylights in the ceiling and windows in the rear, provide so much natural light that, according to the architects, artificial means of light may be entirely unnecessary. Modern shop fronts, with steel awnings and metal (Wunderlich) ceilings, will add to the smart appearance of the block. Four of the shops are 44 feet by 13.9; the other is slightly smaller. They are so constructed that they may be converted into two big shops.

The Strand art deco Building. Built in 1939. Photograph Peter Arfanis

For many years prior to its construction it was the site of wood and coke fuel supplier.

1 Comment

Ian williamson
on 2 March, 2016 at 7:54 pm

I think the strand building could be brought back to life by transforming it into an arcade that would go through to the town hall and parramatta square. it would add a little bit of life and style to this part of town with small boutique shops and cafés. imagine strolling through the strand arcade parramatta to the newly developed parramatta square!